Welcome to DESE’s Office of Childhood! This new office provides a comprehensive approach to childhood care and education in Missouri. It includes programs related to child care, home visiting, early learning, and early intervention for children birth to age five, as well as afterschool programs for school-age children. The Office of Childhood is responsible for overseeing DESE’s efforts to expand and improve high-quality early learning opportunities. Learn more about our 2024 Accomplishments.

Sections and Programs 

• First Steps
• Community Leaders

• Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting
• Missouri Parenting Partnership Program
• Missouri Parent Education Program
• Maternal and Child Health
• Safe Cribs for Missouri Program

• Licensing
• Rules & Laws
• Report a Complaint or Concern
• Child Care Relief Funds
• Find Child Care

 

• Providers
• Families
• Child Care Data System
• Search for Child Care Providers
• Subsidy Payment Information
• Child Care Subsidy Program Information
• Child Care and Development Fund

• Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC) Program
• Missouri Early Learning Standards
• Quality Assurance Report
• Quality Initiatives
• Preschool Programs
• Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA)
• Afterschool Programs

• Advisory Councils
• Preschool Development Grant B-5
• Childhood Connections E-Newsletter
• Missouri Family Resources
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Missouri

• Training Information
• MO Professional Development System
• Conference on the Young Years (CYY)